Shuyun Dong Awarded COP Seed Grant

Researchers at the University of Utah’s College of Pharmacy have been awarded a COP Seed Grant to explore a novel approach to treating multiple sclerosis (MS). The project, “Chimeric Antigen Receptor Regulatory T Cell (CAR Treg) Targeting Demyelinating Lymphocytes to Promote Remyelination in Multiple Sclerosis,” has received $40,000 in funding for the period of May 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026.

This research aims to evaluate the ability of engineered CAR Tregs to infiltrate the central nervous system (CNS) and facilitate remyelination in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model of MS. By targeting demyelinating lymphocytes, this approach could pave the way for innovative therapies to restore nerve function in MS patients.

The project is led by Dr. Shuyun Dong, in collaboration with Dr. Mingnan Chen, Dr. Noel Carlson, and Dr. Taslim A. Al-Hilal. Their collective expertise in immunotherapy and neuroinflammation will be instrumental in advancing CAR Treg-based treatments for MS.